Effect Of Cobra Naja Haje Venom On The Adrenal Activity In Rabbits

Abstract

Injection of rabbits with a sublethal dose (0.2mg/kg) of Naja haje venom induced an increase in serum cortisol, free cholesterol, glucose and potassium ions. A decrease in total cholesterol and sodium ions was observed while the progesterone level was not changed. These results suggest that the cobra venom has induced a stimulatory effect on the glucocorticoid activity paralleled with a depressed mineralocorticoid function.